Stranger Offers Hope: Daughter With Rare Blood Disorder Receives Vital Stem Cells From Overseas Samaritan

A little girl from Luling, Louisiana traveled to London to meet the man who saved her life by donating his stem cells. Demi Tibido, who had a rare blood disorder, and her family finally met Rob Wle six years after he saved her life. Demi’s twin sister’s intuition led to a diagnosis, and despite losing her twin, Demi received a life-saving stem cell transplant from Rob. The family’s emotional reunion in London was a testament to the power of organ donation and the importance of joining the stem cell donor registry. Demi’s story serves as a reminder that anyone can save a life by becoming a donor.

A heartwarming story unfolded as a family from Luling traveled to London to meet the man who saved their daughter’s life. The young girl, Demi Tibido, had been diagnosed with a rare blood disorder, and it was her twin sister who noticed that something was amiss. Despite receiving a stem cell transplant, her sister unfortunately did not survive. However, Demi was fortunate to receive a match from a stranger, Rob Wle, who became an integral part of their lives for six years before they finally met in person.

Rob’s journey began when he received a call from DKMS, a nonprofit organization that connects patients with stem cell donors. His decision to donate his stem cells ultimately saved Demi’s life, and six years later, the emotional meeting between the two families took place at the DKMS Gala in London. The Tibido family expressed overwhelming gratitude towards Rob, with Demi’s mother emphasizing that knowing her daughter is healthy now makes every struggle worthwhile.

As the families reflected on their incredible journey, they highlighted the importance of stem cell donation and encouraged others to join the registry to potentially save a life. The impact of this selfless act extended beyond borders, showcasing the power of kindness and connection. The Tibido family’s story serves as a reminder that the bonds forged through life-saving acts transcend distance and time, leaving an indelible mark on all those involved.


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